Omnibus top



June 15 1926.

S. M. CURWEN OMNIBUS TOP 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented June 1.5, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL M. CURWEN, F HAVERFORD, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE J'- G.

BRILL COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLVANIA.

Application filed April 12 My invention relates to certain improvements in the tops of omnibuses, or other vehicles, preferably-those having seats on an upper deck. 1

The object of the invention is to improve the construction of the top of the upper deck of an omnibus so that it can be closed above the seats toprotect the occ'upants from the heat of the suns rays, or the inclemency of the weather, said top being easily adjusted when it is desired to have the space above the seats uncovered.

While the invention is especially adapted for use as a top for the upper deck of an omnibus, or similar vehicle, it can be used as a top, or movable roof, for vehicles in general.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of the top of an omnibus showing the top section above the seats in the closed position;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the center aisle of an omnibus, showing a series of seats with the top sections in the closed position; c

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 8-8, of Fig. 4, showing the top in the open position;

Fig. 4: is a transverse sectional view on the line 4%, Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a plan view with the cover strip removed to show the hinges; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional View on the line 6-6, Fig. 3.

Referring to the drawings, 1 is the floor of the upper deck of an omnibus. 2, 2 are the the side walls having a series of sliding sashes 3, in the present instance, although curtains can be substituted therefor, if desired. The seat sections 4: are arranged transversely and are spaced apart at the cen ter to form a longitudinal aisle 5. These seat sections can be of any type desired and are preferably provided with rigid backs 6.

Posts 7 are fastened firmly to each seat section 1, or to the floor, as desired, and extend to a point sufficiently above the backs of the seat sections to form supports for transverse rods 9. The posts and the rods form the frames that support the movable top sections.

The top consists of sections 11 and 12, which are carried by the frames. When the sections are raised, they are located be- OMNIBUS TOP.

, 1924. a Serial No. 706,159.

tween the rods 9 and form the covering, or top, for that portion of the upper deck directly above the seats, leaving an open space between the inner edges of each top section-directly above the aisleto facilitate the entrance and exit of passengers, as it will be understoodthat it is necessary to locate the top sections above the seats, the height being less than the height of the average standing passenger, in order to avoid overhead obstructions. Where there are no overhead obstructions, the top sections can be located at any height desired.

An overlapping joint 14 is referably formed at the meeting edges of t e sections 11 and 12 of the top structure. Hinges 16 are secured to the top sections v11 and 12, which are mounted on the rods ,9, and, in the present instance, have a limited lateral movement on the rods, so that the sections, when raised, overlap the tops 17 of the side frames 2, as shown in Fig. 4, and, when lowered, en age flanges 18 on' the dividing posts 19 of the frame, as illustrated in Fig 5.

Springs 20 on the rods 9 are located be tween collars 21 on the rods and the hinges 16 so that the sections can be movedlater ally, when raised, to clear the top 17 of the side frame 2, the springs yieldingly holding the sections in place with the flange 22 overlapping the top 17 to allow rain water to flow from the top sections over the sides of the omnibus.

- Strips 23 are secured to the frame above the rods. These strips overlap the joints of the top sections 11 and 12. The overlapping portions may be flexible so as to rest directly on the sections, making the joints weather tight.

While the description relates to one special arrangement for securing the top sections in their open or closed positions, other arrangements may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

From the construction hereinbefore described, it will be seen that by making the top in sections, which are pivotally connected to transverse rods, each pair of top sections can be raised to form protection for the occupants of the seats, or can be lowered to hang vertically back to back above the back of the seat sections.

In the drawings, each top section is illustrated in the form of a frame covered with canvas, or other waterproof material. It can be made solid, or can be covered with any suitable waterproof material, without departing from the essential features of the invention.

I claim:

l. The combination in an omnibus having a central aisle, of side walls; a series'of posts on each side of the longitudinal central aisle of the omnibus; two seriesof transverse rods extending from the side walls to the posts at each side of the center of the omnibus; and top sections pivotally mounted on the transverse rods and arranged to be moved into a horizontal position to form a roof or to be turned to a vertical )osition and suspended from the rods.

2. he combination in an omnibus, of two series of transverse seats spaced apart to form a longitudinal aisle; a series of pairs of top sections; and a transverse pivot for each pair of top sections, said pivots being located above the backs of the seats, the arrangement being such that when said sections are raised they form a top and when lowered each pair of sections which are pivoted. above any one seat are arranged back to back above their seat.

3. The combination in a movable top for an omnibus, of a series of seat sections arranged to form a central aisle; a post at each seat section extending thereabove; transverse rods supported at the aisle end by the posts; and a top structure consisting of a series pairs of sections, said pairs of sections of the top being pivotally mounted on the rods so that, when they are raised, they cover the space above the seat sections and when they are lowered each pair of sections which are pivoted above any one seat are located back to back above their seat.

4:. The combination 'in a movable top structure for an omnibus, of seat sections; a post at the back of each seat section transverse rods supported by the posts; and two top sections pivotally mounted on each rol and arranged to be folded back to back, or raised to form a covering over the space above the seats.

5. The combination of two series of trans verse seats spaced apart to form a longitudinal aisle; a series of frames consisting of posts and rods located at the back of the seats and extending above the backs thereof; and top sections pivotally mounted on the rods of the frame, said sections being so pro portioned that they fit in the space between the upper edge of the back of the seat section and the top of the frame, when in one position, and close the space above the seat sections, when raised 6. The combination of a series of seat sections arranged transversely; a frame secured to each seat section and extending thereabove; and pivoted top sections mounted on the frames and arranged to form a closed top, when raised, and to form partitions between the seat sections, when lowered, each of said sections being so mounted on the frame as to have a limited lateral movement to allow said top section to overlap the side frame, when raised, and to engage the side frame, when lowered.

SAMUEL M. CURlVEN. 

